The source of the Verdon river is at an altitude of 2150m, in the south-western Alps, near the col d’Allos. It flows south-west, direction Allos, Colmars, St. André les Alpes, then past Castellane and into the approaches to the canyon.
After approx. 175 kms it joins the Durance river at Vinon sur Verdon.
The name comes from the green appearance of the water of the river.
Between 1929 and 1975 5 different lakes were created by damming the Verdon river with barrages: the lac de Castillon, Chaudanne, St.Croix, Quinson and Esparron.
The Verdon is best known for its impressive canyon: the Grand Canyon du Verdon. This limestone canyon is 21 kms long and up to 700m deep, it’s unique in Europe and it’s one of the greatest tourist attractions in Provence. There’s no doubt that the sight is imposing!
This immense and magnificent canyon straddles the departments of Var and Alpes de Haute Provence. The gigantic cliffs of calcareous rock are the result of the erosion of the Verdon river. In the midst of a nature reserve, rich in flora and fauna, the scenery here is astonishing.
The canyon was formed in the Quaternary Era, as a result of earth movements while the Alps were “growing” upwards and from erosion of the Jurassic limestone by the Verdon river.
Trough the 19th century, the deepest gorges were thought to be impenetrable. Only a few local woodcutters went down into the gorges on ropes, looking for box wood (buis) stumps that they use for making boules.
There are two different itineraries to visit the Canyon: by the north side from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie by the D952 and the route des Crêtes (D23), or the south side from Aiguines to Castellane, by the D71, D90 and D995 to the Pont de Soleils where it joins the D952.
The custodial villages nestled at the foot of the fault have maintained their old fashioned Provencal appeal; here you will be warmly welcomed, and thanks to the fabulous natural resources of the area, countless activities are available.
The custodial villages nestled at the foot of the fault have maintained their old fashioned Provencal appeal; here you will be warmly welcomed, and thanks to the fabulous natural resources of the area, countless activities are available.
Inside the gorges you can find the most beautiful hikes:
- the Martel trail
- the Imbut trail
- the Rancoumas Belvedere
- the Bastidon trail
- the pecheur trail
The Martel Trail
FOOTPATH CLOSED from September 5th 2011 until December 31st 2011.
Click here for more information on this closing.
This trail was created by the Touring Club de France and bears the name of the speleologist E.A.Martel, who undertook the first complete descent into the canyon in August 1905. Through Couloir Samson, the path goes through the galleries of an important project, begun in 1902, which involved damming the verdon at clue de Carajuan and conveying the torrent’s waters to a hydroelectric plant located downstream from the Grand Canyon. The project, only half-way completed, was definitely interrupted by World War 2.
This splendid hike, (14 km – 5 hours-6 hours), has become the classic in the gorges. Sometimes from an overhang, sometimes along the water, it follows the course of the Verdon river. The trail has its charm regardless the direction from which you start, but it’s easier when starting from Chalet de la Maline, since the steeper sections are on the way down. The trail goes through two tunnels; a torch is essential.
Dogs and mountain bikes are forbidden on the trail.
Plan to leave a vehicle at the end of the trail or use one of the taxis of the gorges. There’s a shuttle bus in the summer. (see the timetable HERE). Whatever the height of the water in the dams in Castellane the path is clear and dry in any season and a guide is not necessary.
Click here to download the map of the Martel trail.